BAL Final Year Project (Sem B 2014):A brief guidelineFor any enquiry, please contact Dr. Caesar LUNFinal Year Project Coordinatorctslun@cityu.edu.hk

*OutlineWhat is FYP?When to take it?Why?How?How to register?How is it graded?Who can help me if any problems?

*What is BAL Final Year Project?Overall design of BAL programmeTaught coursescoreelectiveplus university language requirements Final year projectsCTL4235 Project, for 1 sem, 3 credits CTL4236 Extended Project, for 1 yr, 6 credits

*When to take FYP?Dear Dr. Lun, I am Carol Chan, a BAL Year 2 student I was told that every BAL student had to take a final year project before graduation. Can I take it now?

Answer: No.

FYP is designed for final year students.Exception: if Year 2 is your final year

*Why final year project?Scenario:Since youve learnt so much linguistic knowledge, and learnt many skills, in so many taught courses

Syntax, semantics, pragmatics, Phonetics and phonologyProgramming for language technology, computational linguistics,

*Why final year project?Questions to ask:

Can you apply such knowledge to some real problem(s) ?

Do you want to learn for yourself some more, and deeper, knowledge on some specific language-related topic ?

*Knowledge technologyTechnology = ?Application of learnt knowledge to resolve practical problems

What problems? Can you identify some problem, or, ask you supervisor to help you identify itand, then, resolve it?Application of learnt knowledge

*Research = acquiring knowledgeResearch = ?Application of your learning skills to learn more, mostly by teaching yourself

What to learn?you find it out, or, ask you supervisor to help you to find it outand then, learn it, byreading, or experimenting or surveying, or designing and implementingApplication of learning skills

*How to proceed?

Step 1: Registration

Just like taking other courses, you have to register for a final year project.

When to register?Choices: Sem A or Sem BIt is preferred that you register slightly before the beginning of a semester

*Which semester should I choose?If you intend to do (or simply not to give up your own opportunity for doing) an extended project for 6 credits, you should register for Sem. A.

If you have made up your mind to do a 3 credit project only, you can do it in Sem. A or B.If you choose to register for Sem. B, that means you choose to give up the chance for doing an extended project for 2 semesters

*Whos going to supervise me?Step 2: Supervision

At the mean time of registration, you find by yourself a supervisor who is willing to supervise you

How?your interest? professors research interests & expertise? any match?talk to them, and find the right oneit is your own choice, not theirs!

* What research topic should I choose for my FYP?Follow the following stepsidentify a small number of research fields of your own interestand a small number of supervisor candidates;talk to them;choose a supervisor and a research field;talk to you supervisor and determine a research topic that both of you agree to work on.

*Then, you can start Working on your project

Questions: what is a final year project supervisor for?

let us find some tasks for him/her!

*Fifth week of your projectYou have to submit the following to our Bb site in order to validate your registrationStudent name and CityU IDSupervisor nameResearch topic (or project title)Abstract: 200 words, outlining what youre going to doResearch schedule (or milestones)Caution: Failing to do so may lead to invalid registration!

*What is a supervisor for?Guide you, if necessarily, to find an appropriate research topic and a supervisor at the beginning of your projectIt is wise to talk to him if any doubt or questions

Give you advice for technical problems during your projectE.g., project extended project?

Remind your supervisor when to do what for youMeet with him/or for 15 minutes every week at least.

*When to submit project report?Conventionally, right before or after examination period

The same deadline for all students.

Any penalty for late submission?Yes. Conventionally, one grade down per calendar day.

*How is my project graded?By your supervisor and a second assessor (if any)

Final grade =60% supervisors grade + 40% 2nd assessors grade

Grading criteriaoverall performance during the semesterreport quality (content, organization & language)

*Who is your 2nd assessor?Conventionally, your supervisor will find one for you if s/he feels necessary.An expert with expertise in the field of your research. If you have a favorite one in mind, talk to you supervisor.But the decision is solely up to your supervisor.

*Workload for a project = ?Project 3 creditsWorkload HWs for a 3-credit class

Extended Project6 creditsWorkload 2 x HWs for a 3-credit class

*How about if I cant finish If you are unable to carry out a project, you cant get the credits.

If you are unable to complete your project in time, you cannot graduate in time.This happened before!

Q: If I am unable to complete my 3-credit Project in Sem. A, can I re-take it in Sem. B?

*Options for late completionAn I (=incomplete) grade will be given as the temporary grade for your project. It will automatically turn into F in 4 weeks, if no grade is given afterall.that is, you have 4 extra weeks to finish your project.if you can make it, you may get a minimal grade (usually D) for passing - to be fair to students who have finished on time.

How about re-taking it in the following semester? Yes, for sure, but the best grade you may probably get is also a minimal grade for passing.

*Which project should I choose?Relevant factorsThe number of credits you wish to achieve by taking FYP36Your interest and progress

*StrategyIf you have made up your mind for an Extended Project, consult your supervisor first, and then do it.Of course, register first If you are not sure (e.g., not sure whether you can handle CTL4236, or not sure if you want to do it, )A wise strategy for you: try CTL4235 firsttransfer to CTL4236 later

*When to transfer?Any time during your projectUsually near the end of a semesterBefore you have started writing up your project reportdepending on your progress and performanceimportant: two projects one extend projectDefinitely not after the examination period!(In particular, not after exam board meeting!)Consult your supervisor: You need both your supervisor and course coordinators consent

*What kinds of work can I do?Field work, e.g., data collection & analysisPhonetics & phonologypsycholinguisticsTheoretical work, e.g., syntax, semanticsStudies of some particular theory, problem, linguistics school, researchers workTechnology development, e.g., computational linguisticsSystem implementation, technical review, termbank construction,

*What to do next? Register for it right away!Find a supervisor early next weekSubmit your first FTP assignment by the beginning of the 5th week in order to validate your registration: Full name, CityU IDSupervisorTitle or topic of your projectAbstractMilestonesAnd come to see me any time you need

*Then, Work very very hard with your supervisor Think and plan wellManage your time reasonablyWrite in good English with the right style and proper formatEnjoy the whole process and learn something about doing research and writing academic paper.

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